Solar maximum

Okay kiddo, you know how the sun is a big ball of fiery gas up in the sky? Well, sometimes the sun gets really, really active and sends out a lot of energy. We call this time the "solar maximum."

Think of it like the sun is having a party and inviting all its friends. During the solar maximum, the sun sends out a bunch of solar flares and storms, which are like fireworks and confetti at a party. These solar flares and storms can cause things like auroras (pretty lights in the sky) and even affect communication on Earth (like when your phone doesn't work so well).

The solar maximum happens about every 11 years because that's how long it takes for the sun's magnetic poles to switch places. So, it's like the sun throws a big party every 11 years to celebrate its magnetic poles changing.

But don't worry, even though the sun gets really active during the solar maximum, it's still the same old sun we see every day and it will calm down eventually. It's just having a lot of fun for a little while!